Tips for the casual Super Bowl fan

Ah yes, the unofficial holiday known as Super Bowl Sunday is finally upon us. If you are a fan of the Broncos or Seahawks, then you must be ecstatic! If you are a football fan in general, then you love the match up. And if you don't know a tight end from an end zone, or a first down from the first quarter, then have no fear. You too...yes you...the non football fan being forced to watch this game like many of you are...can enjoy your evening.  Do not let the mindless chatter about blitzes and man coverage, replays and coaching strategies intimidate you. You can contribute conversationally to your Super Bowl Party without mentioning a single play on the field. OK non sports fan, get your Google ready. These four tips should get you through this year's party with flying colors.

Peyton Manning: If you are at least familiar with Manning, then you should be fine. But make sure you are talking about the right Manning. Peyton's brother Eli plays in New York. The Super Bowl is also in New York. But there's a big difference there! Nothing will get you tuned out quicker than a random Eli based stat while Denver has the ball....that's research gone wrong. You can keep Manning to a single sentence..."If he wins...I think he should retire". The die hard fans will take the topic from there. Just sit back and enjoy the banter, knowing you contributed to a spirited Super Bowl party sports debate....without even knowing who's winning.

Richard Sherman: Be prepared, casual fan, for the Richard Sherman topic to come up several times throughout the night. If you are unfamiliar with what he did two weeks ago, then Google it. This topic though, could become divisive. So if you're at a party as the guest of a guest, then it might be best to sit this one out. You can express your thoughts privately on the way home. Nothing ruins a good time like an awkward joke / comment made in a room full of people who don't "know you like that".

Halftime: Bruno Mars is this year's halftime entertainment. He has a ton of cross over hits, and is also a great live performer. You should be OK there. More importantly, the halftime show buys you a whole third quarter of not having to pay attention to the game. This is the time that you visit your social networking site of choice, and scroll through the endless...and often entertaining half time reviews from your peers. And the die hard fan will hardly notice your absence. After all, the game is back on.

Commercials: You can never go wrong by just commenting on the commercials. That's actually the safest way to play it. That way you don't get that "death stare" for asking..."Didn't Peyton's dad or uncle or something play in the Super Bowl too?"...right at the two minute warning.

And if all else fails...just watch the damn game! Should be a classic.   follow @plcolter